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Business Standard
07-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Pilot medical test mandate by DGCA sparks concern in aviation sector
A recent directive issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regarding medical examinations for commercial pilots has triggered alarm within Indian airlines and among pilots, according to a report by The Economic Times. Last week, the civil aviation regulator mandated that all medical evaluations for commercial pilots must now be conducted exclusively at the Indian Air Force (IAF) Boarding Centres. This marks a reversal from the previous policy, which permitted these assessments to take place at private hospitals and with DGCA-approved medical examiners. Concerns over military-level standards and delays According to DGCA regulations, all pilots are required to undergo regular and comprehensive medical examinations. However, airline officials have reportedly expressed concern that the medical standards applied to military pilots are significantly more rigorous than those needed for commercial aviation. They argue that these elevated standards, coupled with the IAF's limited capacity, could potentially impact flight operations due to pilot shortages. Airline executives also reportedly warn that the heightened standards may result in a greater number of pilots being deemed medically unfit. This, in turn, could exacerbate the current pilot shortage and raise insurance costs for carriers. An official told The Economic Times that the philosophy and requirements for clearing pilots in the civil and defence sectors were fundamentally different, which is why all other countries had felt the need to separate civil aviation medical assessments from the military system. Commercial pilots criticise move Commercial pilots have voiced their opposition to the new rules, warning that this move could ground additional pilots at a time when the industry is already grappling with personnel shortages, Business Today reported. The Airline Pilots' Association of India (Alpa India) has highlighted logistical challenges, noting that there are currently only three IAF Boarding Centres across the country – located in Delhi, Jorhat, and Bengaluru. Pilots are also required to book appointments during their off-duty hours, adding to their burden. The DGCA has stated that the IAF Boarding Centres may request further investigations based on medical history and clinical examination in order to determine a pilot's fitness.
NDTV
24-06-2025
- General
- NDTV
Explained: How To Become A Pilot After Class 12th In India
Becoming a pilot in India offers a thrilling and rewarding career path. It combines technical knowledge, physical and mental fitness, and a true passion for flying. Whether you dream of flying commercial planes, private jets, or even serving the nation through defense aviation, the path to becoming a pilot is both structured and rewarding. Here are the essential steps - from eligibility and training to licenses and career options - to help you start your journey in aviation. Who Can Become a Pilot in India? The minimum age to begin pilot training in India is 17 years. You must have passed Class 12 (10+2) with Physics and Mathematics as core subjects. Apart from education, your physical health is equally important. You must obtain a Class 2 medical certificate issued by a DGCA-approved medical examiner to ensure you are medically fit to undergo flight training. Later, you will need a Class 1 medical certificate to get your Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and work in airlines. What Are the Different Types of Pilots? In India, aspiring pilots can choose between two main paths: Civil Aviation A civil aviation pilot flies for commercial airlines, cargo companies, private jets, or charter flights. To enter this field, you need to undergo flight training and obtain a Commercial Pilot License (CPL). Defence Aviation On the other hand, a defense pilot serves in the Indian Air Force. These pilots are selected through competitive exams and undergo rigorous training to fly fighter or transport aircraft as part of national defense services. Where Should You Do Pilot Training? To become a commercial pilot, you must enroll in a flight training school approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). These schools offer both theoretical and practical training. Theoretical classes, often called "ground school," include subjects like air navigation, aviation regulations, meteorology (weather science), and aircraft systems. Once you understand the basics, you begin practical training under the supervision of certified flight instructors. You must complete a minimum of 200 flying hours, which includes solo flights, dual flights with instructors, and cross-country navigation exercises. How Do You Get a Commercial Pilot License (CPL)? Once your training is complete, the next step is to pass several exams conducted by the DGCA. These include tests in air regulations, meteorology, navigation, technical knowledge of aircraft, and radio telephony (RTR). After clearing these exams and completing your required flying hours, you can apply for your CPL. This license authorises you to fly commercial aircraft and is your gateway to job opportunities in the aviation industry. How Much Does It Cost to Become a Pilot? Pilot training is a significant financial investment. The cost for CPL training in India typically ranges between Rs 40 lakh to Rs 50 lakh. If you choose to add a type rating course later, it can cost another Rs 15-25 lakh, depending on the aircraft model. How Long Does It Take to Become a Pilot? Becoming a pilot is not only expensive but also time-consuming. Generally, it takes about 18 to 24 months to complete CPL training, assuming there are no weather delays or backlogs in flying hours. However, the duration can vary depending on the training schedule, school facilities, and how quickly you pass your DGCA exams. What Career Options Do You Have After Becoming a Pilot? Once you receive your CPL, a range of career paths open up. You can apply to domestic and international airlines as a First Officer (co-pilot), or join private charter companies and fly VIP clients. Some pilots choose to become flight instructors, helping train the next generation of pilots.
India Gazette
14-06-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Union Minister Paswan inaugurates Garuda Aerospace's Agri-Drone Indigenisation Facility
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], June 14 (ANI): Union Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan inaugurated Garuda Aerospace's new Agri-Drone Indigenisation Facility in Chennai on Saturday. The launch also witnessed a dynamic live demonstration of agri-drones by highly skilled Drone Didis, showcasing Garuda Aerospace's commitment to fostering self-reliance and innovation within the burgeoning drone ecosystem. The Minister also inaugurated 300 Centres of Excellence and flagged off Garuda Aerospace's DGCA-approved Train the Trainer (TTT) programme. Supporting this milestone launch were key members of the Bharat Drone Association (BDA), Rural Development Ministry release said. Speaking on the occasion, Kamlesh Paswan praised Garuda Aerospace and its Founder and CEO, Agnishwar Jayaprakash, for their visionary efforts in making India self-reliant in drone technology. He stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of transforming India into a Global Drone Hub can truly be realized through the dedication of innovative companies like Garuda Aerospace, the release said. He also lauded the Bharat Drone Association for uniting local component manufacturers under one roof at the Indigenization Factory, a state-of-the-art facility capable of manufacturing over one lakh drones in the next two years. The Minister expressed his admiration, noting that he has never seen 2,000 agri-drones in a single location, as he witnessed at the Garuda Indigenous Manufacturing Facility--a feat showcasing India's capability to lead in drone innovation and scale. Agnishwar Jayaprakash said PM Modi 'gave us a vision in 2022 to manufacture one lakh Made-in-India drones by 2026'. 'We have delivered 4,000 drones so far, and are confident we will achieve this target in the next two years'. Spread across 35,000 square feet, Garuda Aerospace's Agri-Drone Indigenization Facility is the country's first-of-its-kind hub for the design, manufacturing, and rigorous testing of advanced Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). The new facility marks the expansion of Garuda Aerospace's existing manufacturing unit and is a major leap in advancing drone manufacturing and skill development in India, the release said. The Train the Trainer (TTT) programme is Garuda Aerospace's flagship skill building and development initiative which is designed to empower educators and professionals to become certified drone instructors. Additionally, the strategically located 300 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) across India in collaboration with academic institutions and industry partners will advance drone innovation, research, and skill development through a strong partner network, the release said. (ANI)
Hans India
14-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Dedication of young entrepreneurs can transform India into global drone hub: Minister
New Delhi: Dedication of young entrepreneurs can transform India into a global hub for drone technology, said Union Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan while inaugurating Garuda Aerospace's new agri-drone indigenisation facility in Chennai. The Minister also inaugurated 300 Centres of Excellence (CoE) and flagged off Garuda Aerospace's DGCA-approved Train the Trainer (TTT) programme. Paswan lauded Garuda Aerospace for its visionary efforts in making India self-reliant in drone technology. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji's vision of transforming India into a global drone hub can truly be realised through the dedication of young entrepreneurs,' said Paswan. He also lauded the Bharat Drone Association for uniting local component manufacturers under one roof at the indigenisation factory, a state-of-the-art facility capable of manufacturing over 1 lakh drones in the next two years. The Minister expressed his admiration, noting that he had never seen 2,000 agri-drones in a single location, as he witnessed at the Garuda Indigenous Manufacturing Facility -- a remarkable feat showcasing India's capability to lead in drone innovation and scale. The launch also witnessed a dynamic live demonstration of Agri-Drones by highly skilled Drone Didis showcasing Garuda Aerospace's commitment to fostering self-reliance and innovation within the burgeoning drone ecosystem. 'Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave us a vision in 2022 to manufacture one lakh made-in-India drones by 2026. We have delivered 4,000 drones so far, and are confident we will achieve this target in the next two years,' said Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace. Spread across 35,000 square feet Garuda Aerospace's state-of-the-art agri-drone indigenisation facility is the country's first-of-its-kind hub for the design, manufacturing, and rigorous testing of advanced Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). The new facility marks the expansion of Garuda Aerospace's existing manufacturing unit and is a major leap in advancing drone manufacturing and skill development in India. The TTT programme, on the other hand, is Garuda Aerospace's flagship skill-building and development initiative which is designed to empower educators and professionals to become certified drone instructors. In addition, the strategically located 300 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) across India in collaboration with academic institutions and industry partners will advance drone innovation, research, and skill development through a strong partner network.
Time of India
12-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Ahmedabad plane crash: How are pilots taught to deal with mid-air emergencies? Check training, protocols
Foundation of Pilot Training Simulator-Based Emergency Training Handling Emergencies: SOPs and CRM Oversight and Recertification The recent crash of Air India Flight AI171—a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that went down minutes after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing all 242 people onboard—has placed renewed focus on how airline pilots in India are trained to respond to aviation emergencies. As investigations continue, attention has turned toward pilot preparedness and the emergency protocols built into India's aviation training in India begins with ground school, a rigorous academic phase overseen by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Students enrolled in DGCA-approved training programs study flight theory, aircraft systems, aviation meteorology, navigation, and air regulations. The curriculum also includes human factors and emergency management, covering scenarios such as engine failure, cabin depressurization, bird strikes, and extreme weather theoretical components ensure that pilots build a strong knowledge base before taking control of an aircraft.A key aspect of Indian pilot training is the use of full flight simulators. Airlines and training organizations across the country use DGCA-approved Level D simulators to provide hands-on experience in dealing with high-stress scenarios. These simulations replicate system malfunctions, sudden weather changes, engine fires, and rapid descents—allowing pilots to develop instincts and decision-making skills without risking current DGCA regulations, simulator sessions are mandatory for both type rating and recurrent checks. Indian pilots are required to demonstrate competence in managing emergencies at least twice a flight crews operate under strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), especially during abnormal situations. Pilots are trained to use step-by-step checklists designed to stabilize the aircraft, assess the situation, and coordinate a response.A critical element of this process is Crew Resource Management (CRM), which focuses on communication, leadership, and teamwork within the cockpit. This training teaches pilots and co-pilots to work together under pressure, helping avoid misjudgments that can escalate emergencies. CRM is a mandatory part of Indian aviation training and is reinforced regularly through scenario-based DGCA enforces regular assessments to maintain safety standards. Pilots must undergo recurrent training every six months, during which they are evaluated on emergency procedures, use of checklists, and ability to communicate effectively with Air Traffic Control (ATC). These evaluations ensure that skills remain sharp and up to institutions such as CAE Simulation Training (Gondia and Greater Noida), Indira Gandhi Institute of Aviation Technology (IGIAT), and other DGCA-recognized flight schools are equipped to deliver such training according to ICAO aviation system, like many others, is built on layers of safety. While human error or mechanical failure cannot be entirely ruled out, robust training protocols help prepare pilots for the unexpected. These safeguards are especially critical for long-haul international operations, such as the Ahmedabad–London route taken by the investigation into the crash continues. However, the framework already in place in India shows the seriousness with which pilot preparedness is treated.
